o its former position on the front room table. Investigation revealed a dozen cartridges fitting the revolver, but no ammunition was discovered ad

se of splashing in the water without, and then the sound of a horse stumbling as he struck the bank. Quick as a flash Keith close

little doubt as to that. Nevertheless, they might prove the posse following them, who had chanced to stumble accidentally on their retreat. In either case they could merely wait, and learn. Some one swore without, and was sharply rebuked by another v

you? I am

laughed

r your time of loneliness any arrival would prove a

nthusiasm, and to Keith's thinking, a shade resentful of the fami

he marshal arrested a fellow for a murder committed out on the Santa Fé Trail, and required me as a witn

you imagine he

ll traces, and, as a result, we've lost him. So I headed a few of the

anly Mr. Hawley, was he; well, what could be his little game? Why had he inveigled the girl into this lonely spot? And what did he now propose doing with her? As he crouched there, peering through that convenient crack in the door, Keith completely forgot his own peril, intent only upon this new discovery. She came slowl

you?" she quest

r with manifest approval. "You are certainly looking fine to-night, my girl. I

her lips trembling at the

ld not speak like t

le out of place. If I didn't know you were a concert hall artist, I might be

pt on your promise to bring me to my brother," and she stood erect bef

be mistaken. Don't try on that sort of thing with me-I don't t

to carry out his threat, but the girl stop

and helpless; that you can insult me at your pleasure. Don't go too far, Mr. Hawley. I know what you are now, an

instead of a singer. But you waste your talent out here on me. Do you imagine I

him with wide open

you mean? What

old and

s, so you won't press me too hard. Puritanism is out of place west of the Missouri, especially among ladies of your profession. Oh, come, now, Christie, don't try to p

ou left me," she faltered, bewildered

her to him, yet restrained by some undefinable power. "While I believed your brother story, I could have

to insinuate you doubt his bein

t, Christie. A couple of drinks will loosen his tongue, and

e her, as a bird meets the slow approach of a snake. Keith could see her lips move, but making

diamonds where he couldn't give you a calico dress. Come on, let's stop this foolishness. I took a liking to you back there in the stage, and the more I've thought about you since the crazier I've got. When I suc

e manner, she tore loose, and sprang back around the

loughby never told you that. If you come one step nearer, I'll scream

itating, his eyes full of admiration. Her ve

you might be something of a tigress, and preferred to fight it out with you alone. Then, even if they did hear, there

m

you

t darkness. A few red coals glowed dully in the fireplace, but all else was dense blackness. Keith heard the movements of Hawley, as he felt his